A unique dual-comet flight opportunity exists in mid-1985 which includes flyby of the large and active comet Halley en route to rendezvous with second comet, Tempel-2. This mission will utilize ion propulsion at a modest performance level, based on proven technology. The Project is planned for FY81 start. Launch occurs in July 1985 via the Shuttle/IUS twin stage. Following IUS injection, the ion propulsion stage provides continuous thrust virtually throughout the 3-year flight until the Tempel-2 rendezvous in 1988. En route, a probe is deployed for encounter with Halley about 4 months after launch at a point 73 days before its perihelion. Rendezvous with Tempel-2 occurs about 60 days before the comet's perihelion during the summer of 1988 and continues for about 1 year. Earth will be in favorable relative positions for observing both the flyby and the rendezvous.
Mission summary: Halley flyby/Tempel-2 rendezvous
1979-01-15
Report
Keine Angabe
Englisch
Mission Summary: Halley Flyby/Tempel-2 Rendezvous
NTIS | 1979
|A combined Halley flyby/Galileo mission
NTRS | 1982
|A combined Halley flyby/Galileo mission
AIAA | 1982
|Comet Rendezvous Asteroid Flyby Mission
NTIS | 1992
|